On a national television program, Zarif stressed that Iran cannot forego its right to peaceful nuclear exploitation but he added: “We want to demonstrate to the world that it faces no threats from Iran. We do not consider nuclear weapons as a means of establishing security; on the contrary, we consider them as a threat to national security.”

Zarif responded to questions regarding international sanctions, saying that sanctions have put pressure on the people, and the ministry is responsible for finding ways to ease those sanctions. He stressed, however, that these sanctions and pressures will not weaken the government’s resolve to protect Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear power.

He emphasized, however, that a change of approach could help all parties involved in the nuclear negotiations reach a satisfactory outcome.